Here’s what Shalayne of Lowland Kids, our celebrity guest judge, had to say about the look:
“I’m getting the cutest subtle retro vibes from your look! I love the way you put the colors together with the neutrals. I also love the pockets in the flare pants and the gold stitching for contrast. Making clothes look like jeans but staying extra comfortable hits the mark every time!”
Thank you Shalayne for contributing as a guest judge this week. As a reminder, 1/3 of the score comes from a guest judge, 1/3 from the vote, and 1/3 from a panel of judges: Audrey, Whitney, and Jenny, who participate all season.
Congratulations, Shara! What an impressive look, and we’re also so happy that all five designers advance to next week. But next week, the eliminations begin. Be sure to follow along and support your favorite designs. We wouldn’t have as much fun without your participation.
The moment we’ve all been waiting for is here! Five designers have given their all, and created a look with the theme:
Non-Basic Basics:Simplistic can still be stylish and smart! Elevate those wardrobe basics!
I can’t wait for you to see all their creations, and vote for your favorite design. Along with the public vote, and a panel of judges, 1/3 of the score will come from a Celebrity Judge. This week Shalayne Monson from Lowland Kids is stepping into that role. Shalayne has been a part of Project Run and Play as a contestant, and elevates the Non-Basic Basics all the time with her pattern brand’s aesthetic. Now here’s what we’re all excited to see!
Alexe of Alfie – Groovy Basics
You can imagine the feeling when you realize you are going to be part of Project Run and Play Season 28 and then you learn about the first theme! Eek! I must tell you I did not sleep a lot in the last few weeks…
So, Non-basic basics…How to create something fun, that looks like me, while staying within the theme? When I thought about basic clothes, the first thing that came to mind was jeans. We all wear jeans, right? It just fits with everything! Then, when I thought more specifically about my children’s wardrobe, I thought about denim overalls because it’s practical AND very cute AND stylish. Now, how to create the funkiest pair of denim overalls for my daughter while making sure it’s not too much so she’ll wear it to school? Let’s get to work!
My favorite thing about sewing is thinking about fun color combinations! I love textures, mixing fabrics, color blocking, labels, notions, etc. I started with a simple denim and made small holes with patches underneath so it would still be child appropriate. I wanted to focus on solid colors, but I added a fun print as an accent for the straps! I used a little scrap of the print to create my own label to give a little twist to one of the front pockets. I mixed textures and colors for the top pocket that, I believe, makes it unique. I always loved to roll my daughter’s pants so I added the same corduroy inside at the bottom. Finally, because the overalls were my masterpiece, I decided to make a simple solid raglan with bright colors that would fit perfectly and that would add a little vintage twist. Hope you like it 😊
This theme was a bit challenging for me, since I do typically sew “basics” for my kids. I wasn’t sure how to make things more exciting, especially for boys when it (frustratingly) seems there’s always limited inspiration on my end. I found this french terry in my stash that I purchased over 5 years ago…which was originally just black and white. I had used some of it previously but always felt it was lacking something. So I decided to tie dye it! I used Rit dye and only soaked it for about 5 minutes to get a lighter, more marbled effect.
I knew I wanted to make a matching set. First, I did a pattern rubbing from a pair of RTW pants and turned them into leggings with a bit of extra ease to accommodate this french terry. Then I did another rubbing off of a raglan two sizes too big. I slimmed it down a bit and turned it into a dolman, and added the accent pieces on the side front/back. To get the plain perfect match front and back I utilized one of my favorite tricks; I just used the “wrong” side of the fabric.
I really love how this turned out! My sporadic tie dying looks just as I had hoped it would and I think it elevates this basic set in a fun way. My two-year-old is extremely hard on his clothes so I’m equally glad it seems like the dye will hide (some of) the inevitable stains…hopefully! For more, I documented my process on my Instagram here.
Shara of Handmade Nelly – Basically Spring
It’s spring where we live, basically. I mean, the weather can’t decide if it wants to send us flowers or snow and some days we’re in short sleeves and some days winter coats. So, yeah, it’s spring, basically. As I planned this “Non-Basic Basics” outfit for my daughter, I tried to think of a basic outfit she would wear on a basic day in our basically spring. A short sleeve top in case it’s warm, a warm jacket in case it’s actually cold, comfortable pants that most definitely have pockets, and a bag for all of her treasures and some stuffed animal friends. And then I had some fun with each piece!
The jacket started as the Detroit pattern from Little Lizard King, and then I added a little flair of my own. I modified the length to be somewhere between the crop and full-length options included in the pattern, to better show off the side slit on the shirt underneath. For the patch pocket, I layered some of the flannel I used for the jacket lining underneath the main pocket fabric, embroidered a fun heart shape through the two layers, and then cut out only the main fabric inside of the embroidery to expose the flannel underneath. I love that it created a unique, almost 3D effect. I also had to add some welt pockets because you can never have too many pockets. The bag is a modified version of the Sage pattern from Sunflower Seams – I made the mini version even smaller for a more compact look. And for the front flap, I added this beautiful Sunray paper-piecing element from Little Lizard King.
For the top and pants, I started with the Laurel pattern from Peony Patterns as my base. For the pants, I used a denim-look cotton-spandex jersey from Raspberry Creek Fabrics, added rounded side panel pockets, and topstitched with a yellow-gold thread. This combination gave us the look and versatility of a pair of jeans but also all the comfort a 6-year-old girl requires. For the top, I used a double-brushed poly from Raspberry Creek in a springy floral print because, at least in my book, florals are a wardrobe basic. I added a fun open V detail to the back and side slits to allow easier access to the pants pockets. Feel free to head over to Instagram for more details and close-ups of this week’s outfit!
Asha of Asharobin – Timeless Classic
A true classic look that is timeless, I love when outfits work out that way. Spring is a time of revival, and it is the perfect opportunity to experiment with fresh and exciting styles.In my younger days, I used to think that shirts were plain and boring.As I grew up I realized that how we style it made a huge difference.when I got the theme the “ Non-Basic Basics”, the first thing that came to my mind was the Linen and Denim duo. Denim and Linen are the perfect fabrics for spring.I love incorporating these fabrics to create a beautiful and stylish combination.
For Week one’s theme I decided to make a crop top and jacket/ blouse style shirt combo with a Denim Pant, and a simple bag accessory. Thankfully I was able to find everything I needed at Core Fabric ,our fabric sponsor. I love the quality of their fabrics. I started with their upcycled mid weight Denim fabric in light blue color and Striped denim to create the pants and the crop top. For the pants,I used Petite stitchery’s fair weather trousers as my base pattern. I ended up fully re- drafting the pattern. I eliminated the elastic waistband by raising the waistline and adding a flat front and back with side invisible zipper closure. I added a cutline in the front and back along the center with a bottom slit and slight flare. This gives a unique look to it. I wanted to give a twist to the pockets, so I decided to do vertical welt pockets to the front..Tadah patterns had an awesome video tutorial which helped me along to create the welt pocket. For the details I made the fringe using the same denim fabric and added faux buttons to the slit. I love the versatility of this look.For the crop top I used Little Lizard king Sarasota as base. I lengthened the front bodice and created a curve to the front waistline. I redesigned the back, added an exposed zipper and a bow.
For the Jacket /blouse style shirt, I wanted to create something comfortable and flowy. I used off white Midweight European Linen. I started with LIttle Lizard King Detroit as a base. I widened the bodice to create a front flap and re-drafted the sleeve to give a curved look. For the front bodice and the sleeve, I added pleats and used a wing needle to create a decorative stitch that gives it a unique element. Finished it with Pearl flat buttons to complete the look. And finally for the accessory, since I was in a time crunch, and couldn’t find a matching bag pattern, I ended up drafting my first ever bag. While it is very simple I fell in love with how it turned out. For the handles, I ended up using a pair of vintage curtain rings that I had found a while back in a thrift store and it went perfectly with it. Styling the handle with a beautiful vintage embroidered handkerchief which was also found in the thrift store. For the headwrap I didn’t use any pattern. I simply used a long piece of fabric and rolled them using a serger. Thanks for reading. Hope you enjoyed my journey as much as I did.
Laura of Peony Patterns – Berry Sweet Basics
When it comes to children’s wardrobe basics my first thought was a good ol’ pair of overalls and a comfy tee shirt. So I took those basics and designed them with some berry sweet details.
For this outfit I started by drafting a pair of A-line skirted overalls. These overalls are created from a “denim look” linen rayon blend from Farmhouse Fabrics. I loved using this fabric because it gave me the look of denim, but sewed up so easily and kept the overalls from being as stiff as they would be in denim, and keeping kids comfy and ready to play is always important. The overalls feature contrast stitching, a large heart front bib pocket, large exposed front skirt pockets with striped piping accents, a sweet heart back pocket and sweet strawberry details. I used a playful berry floral print for the contrasting hem facing, and bodice and pocket lining to give unexpected pops of color and whimsy, making these overalls anything but basic.
When it came to the tee I used the Peony Patterns Free Appleberry tee pattern as the base. I knew it would give me the fit I was after and changed things up by adding a modified sleeve from the Nettle dress pattern. I used the coordinating rainbow grid plaid to the strawberry fields floral I used on the overalls. Both are from Ashes and Ivy, Very Berry Rainbow Collection. It’s a berry fun twist on the basic tee.
What amazing looks!! How will you ever choose your favorite? We are so impressed with these designers, and hope you’ll share the love with them by giving them your vote!
This is how their scores are determined:
1/3 score = public voting 1/3 score = panel of judges 1/3 score = celebrity guest judge of the week
Are you inspired? We have a Sew-Along every season, and you can sew to win prizes! Sew for this week’s theme, or any other theme from this season, and join in on the fun. You don’t want to skip this one.
One of the really awesome perks for competing in Project Run and Play is the prizes!!! We have a lot of really supportive small businesses that work with us to create generous prize packages for each contestant. We will be highlighting each one throughout the season by showing how their products can be used to create cutting-edge fashion. You can visit each one by clicking on the logo.
Thank you again to each sponsor! We really appreciate it!
Come back tomorrow to see the Week 1 designs and cast your vote!
